Gnomonium Polaris Nordum

17. Gnomonium Polaris Nordum, artist: Addison H. Clipson Jr., 1970's

When conceiving the master planning and design, Dr. Frank Steely advised to include a central point of reference for the campus that “be both a visual as well as a symbolic element.” The “sundial” was born to be symbolic of the new campus (NKU) as a star in the crown of Northern Kentucky. The monolith was then designed with an integral sighting groove in the top surface that guides the light of the Pole Star to its exact location, Latitude 39 0’ 54” N, Longitude 84 27’ 52.5”.

As quoted from Clipson, “Be it known to all men, of the high and noble purpose in the dissembling of knowledge from this particular place on earth during her continuing travels among the stars.”